If you have rheumatoid arthritis in Nebraska, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI or SSI if your condition severely limits your ability to work. Nebraska also offers state programs for those who don’t qualify for federal aid. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in Nebraska, your rheumatoid arthritis must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a "Listing of Impairments" to determine which conditions qualify. Even if your condition isn’t listed, you may still qualify if you can prove it limits your ability to work as much as a listed condition. For SSDI, you must have enough work credits and not earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit ($1,620 per month in 2025, or $2,700 if blind). SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require medical proof of your disability.
In Nebraska, if you have rheumatoid arthritis but are denied federal benefits because your disability is expected to last less than 12 months, you may qualify for the State Disability Program (SDP) through Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (AABD). This program provides a monthly payment and medical coverage for people who are blind or disabled but don’t meet federal requirements. The SDP is for those who are ineligible for Medicaid in their own right. Eligible individuals can receive financial help to stay in their homes or other living arrangements. Nebraska also offers the Disabled Persons and Family Support (DPFS) program, which provides up to $400 per month for authorized services to people with severe, chronic disabilities, including rheumatoid arthritis.
Step 1: Get medical documentation from your doctor that details your rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis, symptoms, and how it affects your ability to work.
Step 2: Review SSDI and SSI eligibility. For SSDI, check your work credits. For SSI, check income and resource limits.
Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at the SSA website, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You can also get help from Nebraska Total Care or DHHS.
Step 4: If denied federal benefits, apply for Nebraska’s State Disability Program (SDP) through Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled. This program is for those whose disability is expected to last less than 12 months.
Step 5: Apply for the Disabled Persons and Family Support (DPFS) program for additional services if you have a severe, chronic disability.
Step 6: Keep all records and follow up on your applications. Report any changes in your condition or income.
SSA: How to Apply for Disability (accessed 2025-11-06)
Nebraska DHHS: Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (accessed 2025-11-06)
Nebraska DHHS: Disabled Persons and Family Support (accessed 2025-11-06)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): For people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Provides monthly payments if you have a qualifying disability.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Provides monthly payments for those who are disabled, blind, or over 65.
Medicaid: For those who qualify for SSI or have low income. Provides health coverage.
Medicare: For those who receive SSDI for 24 months. Provides health coverage.
SSA: Disability Benefits (accessed 2025-11-06)
Medicaid: Nebraska (accessed 2025-11-06)
Medicare: Nebraska (accessed 2025-11-06)
State Disability Program (SDP): Through Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (AABD), this program provides a monthly payment and medical coverage for people who are blind or disabled but don’t meet federal requirements. It’s for those whose disability is expected to last less than 12 months.
Disabled Persons and Family Support (DPFS): Provides up to $400 per month for authorized services to people with severe, chronic disabilities, including rheumatoid arthritis. The program helps with living costs and supports independent living.
Nebraska Total Care: Helps with Medicaid and SSI/SSDI applications. Provides information and support for people with disabilities.
Nebraska DHHS: Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (accessed 2025-11-06)
Nebraska DHHS: Disabled Persons and Family Support (accessed 2025-11-06)
Nebraska Total Care: SSI/SSDI Help (accessed 2025-11-06)
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Nebraska, you can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses. Contributions are tax-free, and funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and more. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how to open one in Nebraska.
For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you cannot earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit ($1,620 per month in 2025, or $2,700 if blind). For SSI, the monthly income limit is $967 for an individual in 2025. Resources (assets) must be under $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. State programs may have different limits.
If you receive more benefits than you should, you must report it and may have to pay it back. Report changes in your income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. The SSA and Nebraska DHHS have rules for reporting changes. Learn how to avoid overpayments and what to do if you get one.
Contact Nebraska Total Care or your local DHHS office for help with disability applications. They can guide you through the process and answer your questions.
Yes, if your rheumatoid arthritis severely limits your ability to work for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. If your disability is expected to last less than 12 months, you may qualify for Nebraska’s State Disability Program.
You need medical records from your doctor that show your rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis, symptoms, and how it limits your ability to work. The SSA and Nebraska DHHS require detailed documentation.
SSI pays up to $967 per month in 2025. SSDI payments depend on your work history. Nebraska’s State Disability Program and DPFS provide additional monthly payments and services.
Yes, there are work incentives that let you test employment without losing benefits. If you earn more than the SGA limit ($1,620 per month in 2025), your benefits may stop.
If denied, you may qualify for Nebraska’s State Disability Program or DPFS. These programs help people with short-term or chronic disabilities who don’t meet federal requirements.
Gather medical records, check eligibility, and apply online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. For state programs, contact Nebraska DHHS or Nebraska Total Care.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both provide monthly payments for those who are disabled.
Yes, children with severe rheumatoid arthritis may qualify for SSI or SSDI if they meet the eligibility requirements. Benefits for children are based on the child’s disability and family income.
Nebraska offers the State Disability Program for short-term disabilities and the DPFS program for chronic disabilities. These programs provide monthly payments, medical coverage, and support for independent living.
Report changes to the SSA or Nebraska DHHS as soon as possible. This helps avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits accurate.
